Wow, that's a whole lot of info but exactly what I need to hear. Thanks to everyone. I will try & pick up a book sometime this week. Sounds like 45acp may be a good choice to start with. I have noticed I see more of the pre measured powder scoops for Lee reloading than I do with any other brand of reloading equipment. Are the premier measured not a good idea? Or can you scoop the powder, then weigh it on a scale to confirm the scoop is accurate, mark the powder level if there isn't one, then fill the scoop to that level? What type or brand of powder for charging 45acp & type of primers? Definitely going to need reading material. I may get the 30$ kit to see how I like it, & will probably steamroll into a bigger thing.
I often use Lee scoops for the speed, but seldom does a scoop match exactly what I want. I throw a slightly low charge onto the scale and use a Redding powder trickler to get the charge right on the money. This is great when working near max loads.
Even if you have the correct scoop, it's STILL good to have a scale because the scoops don't exactly throw what the chart says they do. Lee makes the charges thrown a little low for safety purposes. If you have a scale, you KNOW what you are throwing. If I'm loading the typical .38 target load of 2.8 grains of Bullseye, I use the scoop from the Lee Handloader that I've verified against a lab scale.
Infinitely adjustable powder measures are great, but you still need a scale. A Lee balance scale doesn't cost but about $25 bucks and you can go up from there. Don't plan on getting a digital for less than $100. Cheaper digital scales have numerous problems, I believe with a few exceptions, but I almost always hear bad news about cheaper digitals.
PS Type of powder depends on the type of shooting your are doing. Fast powders like Bullseye are good for targets, but medium burning powders like Unique give a little more velocity. Of consideration in an auto pistol is that the load has to work the action, whether it's a snappy recoil or more of a 'push' recoil.
Loading manuals and the data sections of powder manufacturers web pages will list about 10 powders that will 'work'. Pistol powder has been scarce so you might not find the 'ideal' powder, but you can use something similar.
PB, Blue Dot, Power Pistol, 700X, WST, SR 7625, SR 4756, 231, WSF, Accurate #5, American Select, Hogdon Universal, Red Dot, Green Dot and more work with .45 ACP.
PPS: When using fast powders like Bullseye and Titegroup the charge barely covers the bottom of the case so it's easy to do the dreaded "DOUBLE CHARGE". A double charge of fast burning powder will wreck your gun and maybe you along with it. Make your reloading routine such to minimize chances of that happening. I use two loading blocks, one on the left and one on the right. AND I check the levels in the cases with a flashlight before seating bullets.
PPPS: As a supplement to your 'how to' manuals, Youtube has a lot of videos of reloading in action. If there is a conflict between what you hear, see and read, always stick with the published data, whether from a loading manual or from the manufacturer's website.
PPPPS: A caliper for measuring cases is needed for rifle and semi auto pistol cartridges.
